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2.20.2010

Lofty Music Performances In SOHO live review

Yo Yo a private loft performance space in SOHO hosted a fabulous night of music and performance art, welcoming Omnivore, Liz Isenberg, Vio Mire based in Providence and Dan Fishkin from Pennsylvania / NYC. It was a night to be receptive to the unknown and the folksy delight of Liz Isenberg and the disarmingly beautiful music of Vio Mire.

When art and music coexist the music becomes the vehicle for the art. Both Daniel Fishkin and Omnivore utilized that concept in very different and provocative ways.

Dan Fishkin AKA Dandelion Fiction set up was complicated for a solo set. Below his feet was a full line up of connected circuitry and an assortment of instruments. The daxophone, a wooden instrument that Daniel made was wedged between his legs, created a string clank sound that he looped. His punked turrets train of thought vocals projected a veracity of nervous energy.

He started a song on a banjo with just a few notes and a fellow band member, got up and joined him in the middle of the space in an acoustic serenade singing through the skin of the banjo. Another song something to the effect "I Was Playing with Myself" started out alone and scripted musicians rose from the audience with a trombone, violin and guitar to sing the chorus.

His surprising antics are reminiscent of the late Andy Kaufman. He challenged the audience’s perceptions by being both aggressive and tender. The tension between the hysterical and the uncomfortable made the performance something to savior.

Omnivore AKA Glenna Kay Van Nostrand a tall striking blond, set up a couple of princess phones wired on a round table. Casually sitting at her little table she picked up her phones to talk/sing and loop. She started of often with a few choice words and cascaded the conversation into the loop.

The old fashioned phone unlike the cell phone is a private experience. So watching her created a tension that was both seductive and voyeuristic. Her sexy vocals lopped and filled the space creating a feeling of overhearing private thoughts in a public setting.

Liz Isenberg has a fan base and that is obvious when she sings they spontaneously sing along with her choruses. She is a delightful mix of folk with edge. Her gorgeous voice warbles softly and comes on strong for emphasis and her guitar playing mirrors that effect as well. It is her quirky lyrics and personality that shine through her music creating an appeal factor that can’t be denied. I loved her from the first note.

Something to take note of is her co-writing and added vocals on Deer Ticks latest release Flag Day "Friday the 13th" was picked by Rolling Stone as his best track and featured their video duet on Rolling Stone's Smoking Section.

Vio Mire AKA Bendon Glasson floored me. Where the fuck have I been? Vio Mire's folk lush pop beckons attention and exposure. His tenor vocal range whispers, hushes, lulls and then fully opens to relay his written stories in song that hold deep resonance. They ebb and flow between cliff hanging whispers and timing.

Brendon played the classical guitar while his touring mates on keys and bass did back up vocals. The guitar added warmth to the intimate acoustic set.

Unfortunately only the few and in the know have heard of him. Music that is so deeply beautiful is rare, I only wish I found him sooner

Both Liz Isenberg and Vio Mire will be playing SXSW party put on by Deer Tick.

A party of artists who are friends and friends who are artists and everyone in between